Tajikistan Ratifies Amendments to TRIPS Agreement

DUSHANBE - On May 23, 2016, Tajikistan deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Protocol amending the TRIPS Agreement (Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights).

Over 62 percent of WTO members have submitted their instruments of acceptance of the Protocol, which will enter into force once two-thirds of the WTO members have accepted it.

The amendments aim to make it easier for developing member countries to receive more affordable, generic versions of patented medicines, as the Protocol allows exports of medicines made under compulsory licenses to countries that are unable to manufacture them. Originally, compulsory licensing was to be authorized primarily for supplying the domestic market.